In a week marked by disturbing allegations of racism in football, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stepped forward to vehemently condemn incidents that have cast a shadow over the German Cup. As the world’s attention turns to the ongoing investigations, the football community finds itself rallying behind the players affected and demanding decisive action from authorities and competition organizers alike.
On August 18, 2025, Infantino issued a statement on social media, calling the recent events in Germany “unacceptable.” His words followed two high-profile incidents during the first round of the DFB-Pokal, Germany’s national cup competition. Both occurred as lower-league clubs from the former East Germany hosted larger teams—a setting that should have been a celebration of the sport’s inclusivity but instead became the stage for acts of discrimination.
The first incident involved Christopher Antwi-Adjei, a forward for Schalke, who reported being subjected to racist abuse during a cup tie at Lokomotive Leipzig. According to reports, Antwi-Adjei was whistled by sections of the crowd throughout the match after he brought the abuse to the attention of match officials. Schalke confirmed that their player had filed a formal complaint and that local police were investigating the matter. The club’s swift action highlighted the seriousness with which the allegations are being treated.
“It is unacceptable that incidents have occurred at two DFB-Pokal matches in Germany,” Infantino wrote, referencing both the Schalke game and a second, equally troubling episode. “Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination.”
The second incident took place at RSV Eintracht, where a Kaiserslautern substitute—whose identity has not been made public—was racially abused while warming up, as reported by the team’s coach. In a heartening display of solidarity, fans and security at the stadium quickly identified the alleged perpetrator. Supporters from both sides joined together, chanting “Nazis out” in a rare moment of unity against hate, as noted by the German news agency dpa.
These events have prompted a multi-layered response. German police have launched investigations into both cases, while the German soccer federation (DFB), led by President Bernd Neuendorf, is conducting its own inquiries. Neuendorf issued a strong statement of support for the victims and a reaffirmation of the sport’s values: “Racism and discrimination, hatred and exclusion have no place in football. We stand for diversity and respect. And alongside those affected and with those who stand up for our values.”
Infantino’s condemnation was echoed by FIFA’s commitment to supporting the players impacted. He announced that FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel—a group established to ensure athletes’ perspectives are heard at the highest levels of the game—would be in direct contact with both the German soccer federation and the individuals involved. “Everyone at FIFA, The Players’ Voice Panel and the whole football community stands firmly with all those impacted by these events—we are committed to ensuring that players are respected and protected, and that competition organizers and law enforcement authorities take appropriate action,” Infantino stated.
The timing of these incidents is particularly sensitive, coming just two days after a similar episode in the English Premier League. Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by a spectator during a match at Liverpool. The game was briefly halted as the referee consulted with coaches and team captains, underscoring the seriousness with which such reports are now being treated in top-flight football. Merseyside police quickly arrested a 47-year-old man from Liverpool on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offense. Authorities released him on conditional bail, with the stipulation that he is banned from attending soccer matches in Britain while investigations continue.
FIFA’s response to the Liverpool incident mirrored its approach in Germany. Infantino confirmed that the Players’ Voice Panel would reach out to Semenyo, further demonstrating the governing body’s intent to support victims and push for systemic change across all levels of the game.
For many observers, the fact that both German Cup incidents occurred as lower-league clubs from former East Germany hosted prominent teams has reignited conversations about the social and historical dynamics at play in certain regions. The DFB-Pokal’s opening rounds are traditionally a celebration of football’s grassroots, where underdogs have the chance to topple giants and communities come together in support of their local sides. That this year’s matches were marred by racism is a stark reminder of the work still needed to make football truly inclusive.
While the names of all those affected have not been made public, the courage of players like Antwi-Adjei in speaking out has been widely praised. His willingness to file a complaint in the face of hostility from the stands has sparked a broader dialogue within German football about the responsibility of clubs, fans, and governing bodies to root out discrimination wherever it appears.
The German soccer federation’s rapid response, as articulated by Neuendorf, suggests a newfound urgency in addressing such issues. The federation’s investigations will run parallel to police inquiries, and both are expected to set important precedents for how future cases are handled.
The solidarity shown by fans at RSV Eintracht, who united in chanting against racism, offers a glimmer of hope that the wider football community is ready to take a stand. It’s moments like these that remind us of the sport’s potential to unite rather than divide—a sentiment that Infantino and Neuendorf both echoed in their statements.
As the investigations continue, the football world waits to see what concrete steps will be taken. Will there be stronger sanctions for clubs whose fans engage in racist abuse? Will new educational initiatives be launched to promote respect and diversity at every level of the game? These are the pressing questions now facing German football and its global counterparts.
For now, the message from FIFA and the DFB is clear: racism and discrimination have no place in football. The actions taken in the coming weeks will determine whether these words are matched by meaningful change on and off the pitch.
